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| From © The Detroit News |
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Rep. Kildee casts 20,000th vote |
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February 23, 2010By Deb Price |
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Washington -- After a tribute on the House floor, Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint, smiled broadly this afternoon and cast his 20,000th vote, a milestone reached by few others in Congress.
Kildee was saluted with a series of speeches, including by leaders of both parties, and was given a standing ovation. Waiting for him back at the office were congratulatory notes from Gov. Jennifer Granholm and President Barack Obama.
The historic vote for the 80-year-old was on H.Res. 1046, which recognized the significance of Black History Month.
Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, called Kildee "a very honorable man."
She recalled that when she arrived at the House in 2003, Kildee taught her the "three Cs" of being a good member of Congress: Serving one's conscience, constituents and (one's party) caucus.
Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, the longest serving ever member of the House, called Kildee "a rock-solid member of this institution," who has fought for education, the Great Lakes and workers.
House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio said he knew of "no kinder, more decent" member of the House.
Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland told his colleagues they were witnessing a historic event. Hoyer called Kildee "thoughtful" and praised him as a lawmaker who "cares deeply" about his country.
Kildee, who was elected to the House in 1976, has been called the "Cal Ripken of Congress," a reference to the retired Baltimore Orioles shortstop who holds the record for the most consecutive games played in Major League Baseball.
Kildee had expected to cast his milestone vote, achieved by only a few members of Congress, on Feb. 11. But the huge snowfall led Democratic leaders to cancel votes, leaving him stuck at 19,993.
Kildee hates missing votes. Last April, he scheduled his knee replacement to coincide with the congressional spring break. That gave him time to heal and do enough therapy to get back for the next vote. He did it.
Since 1977, when he was sworn in, he's missed only 27 votes, partly due to a hospital stay for an ulcer.
Obama wrote of casting 20,000 votes, "That is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication both to your constituents and your country. Enjoy the moment and keep up the good work."
Granholm wrote, "These are tough years for the state of Michigan, and I cannot ask for a better partner in Washington to fight for our citizens. I look forward to working with you as you embark on the next set of 20,000 votes." |
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